Black Urfa Chili

We've wanted to release a spicy bar for a long time.  Most of the chili peppers we tried added only heat, and we wanted something more.  We found it in the Urfa Chili, which boasts many complex flavors due to the fermentation process it undergoes after harvesting.  We've paired it with our single origin Zorzal Communitario cacao from the Dominican Republic.

About Burlap & Barrel

Burlap & Barrel is a Public Benefit Corporation building new international food supply chains that are equitable, transparent and traceable.  Their unique and personally sourced spices can be found in the kitchens of Michelin star chefs.  And for good reason - the flavors are extraordinary.   

About the Black Urfa Chili

The Black Urfa Chili used in this bar is sourced by Burlap & Barrel from Southeastern Turkey, just outside the city of Şanlıurfa.  It starts as a red, sweet, spicy pepper.  After harvesting it's fermented in the sun where it changes color from red to black and develops its characteristic flavor profile.  Much like our chocolate it's ground between massive granite wheels.  Sunflower oil and salt are added during the grinding process.  The chilis are grown by farmer Bekir Bey.  He and his family spend about ten months a year planning, planting, tending, watering and harvesting these very special chili peppers. 

About Zorzal Cacao

The 1000 acre Zorzal Reserve in the Dominican Republic was originally envisioned as a pure conservation land trust approach to preserve biodiversity using the Bicknell’s thrush as a landmark species.  However, shortly after the reserve was designated in 2012 founder Charles Kerchner saw an opportunity to not only help local farmers receive higher prices for their cacao but also raise funds to help with management of the reserve.  This was the inspiration for Zorzal Cacao. 

Tasting notes:  Raisin, fig, black pepper, plum & more.  Deep, dark and earthy with pleasant, lingering heat.

Monica and the kids harvesting cacao pods in the Dominican Republic